Dr. Ash Sagar 
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What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. This procedure uses bleaching agents to remove stains and discolouration from natural teeth, resulting in a brighter smile. There are many benefits to professional teeth whitening, including its effectiveness, efficiency and affordability. In most cases, professional teeth whitening can be completed in just one or two office visits.
While over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are cheaper, there are several reasons why professional teeth whitening may be a better option. Professional teeth whitening is performed by trained dental professionals using state-of-the-art equipment. This means that the whitening gel is applied evenly and thoroughly to all surfaces of the teeth, resulting in more evenly white teeth. In addition, professional teeth whiteners use bleaching agents with higher concentrations than those available for at-home use. This means that the results are more dramatic and happen more quickly. And because dentists can control the amount of bleaching agent used, they can avoid over-whitening, which can lead to tooth sensitivity. If you’re looking for whiter, brighter teeth, professional teeth whitening is the way to go.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Common Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is very effective in improving one’s smile and overall appearance. However, it is important also to be aware of the potential side effects of this treatment before deciding to push through with it. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision about whether or not teeth whitening is right for you.
- Increased sensitivity to hot and cold. If you whiten your teeth, you can expect a temporary sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks immediately following the procedure. This will often go away within a few hours or days.
- Gum irritation. This may occur if the beaching solution comes in contact with your gums. If this happens, it will cause pain, swelling, and whitening of the gums.
- Tingling sensations. People often describe these sensations as feeling as if they were receiving a mini electric shock. It would help if you noted things that may aggravate or cause the symptoms you are experiencing. Sharp electric-like pain is usually related to nerve affectation. Also, report any symptoms like numbness in the area or other types of pain.
How to Deal With Tooth Sensitivity After Whitening
Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of whitening and can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help manage the sensitivity and keep your smile looking its best
- Reduce active whitening treatment frequency
Frequent professional teeth whitening can cause severe sensitivity due to the highly concentrated bleaching solutions used during the treatment. Scheduling the interval of your whitening sessions six months to one year apart can help reduce this occurrence. Talk to your dentist about how often you should come in for treatment. - Avoid food and beverage that trigger sensitivity
Foods or beverages that are too cold or hot can trigger a painful response immediately after the teeth whitening procedure which is why it is best to avoid them for a couple of days. Additionally, acidic foods and beverages should be avoided for the same reason. - Drink through a straw
When needing to drink something cold or chilled with ice, the use of a straw is recommended. The straw helps the liquid bypass the sensitive tooth area. - Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Specially-formulated toothpaste can be used to minimize tooth sensitivity. These products can help to soothe the nerve endings in your teeth and provide relief from discomfort.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Even with the risk of increased tooth sensitivity and other potential side effects, teeth whitening is generally a safe dental procedure. Since teeth whitening makes use of bleaching solutions,precautions must be taken to avoid serious complications. Some of these precautions that need to be observed regardless of whether teeth whitening is done professionally or at home include:
- Ensure the gums and other soft tissues do not come in contact with the bleaching solution
- Avoid ingestion of the bleaching solution during treatment
- Limit treatment time to the suggested duration
- Observe the proper recovery period between cosmetic treatments
- Proper preparation of the entire tooth
If you’re worried about the safety of teeth whitening, talk to your dentist, and they can help you choose the correct bleaching procedure for you. Always remember that your comfort is important, and if anything feels wrong during your treatment, stop immediately and inform your dentist.
Reasons to Consider Professional Teeth Whitening
Are you looking for a quick and effective method to achieve brighter teeth and a more attractive smile? Professional teeth whitening may be just what you need! Here are five reasons why you should consider professional whitening:
- Boost your confidence
A prominent benefit of teeth whitening is the restoration or boost in confidence it gives patients. Having brilliant, pearl-white teeth makes you more open to socializing and meeting new people. - Improve your appearance
Bright white teeth have become the new aesthetic norm in our present day. Discoloured and stained teeth lead people to think about poor health and hygiene. A professional teeth whitening will help you improve your appearance, brightening both your teeth and future. - Save money
In the long run, seeking professional care for your teeth whitening can save you money. Your dentist offers a quicker and more effective way of achieving the desired result than at-home commercial treatment options. On the other hand, human error on the part of the patient when using these at-home kits can cause complications that will lead to additional costs. - Make a strong first impression
With the drastic results from professional teeth whitening, you may find it hard to stop yourself from smiling. Your new white smile will make people more inclined to see you in a friendly light. This will make it easier for you to make new friends and leave lasting impressions. - Improve your oral health
Patients with whitened teeth are more inclined to devote time to oral hygiene. This is to prolong the effects of the whitening treatment. With regular dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene practices at home, oral health can be significantly improved. This refers to more than just your teeth but also your gum tissues and other structures.
Are There Any Alternatives to Teeth Whitening?
We all know teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. However, what if you’re looking for an alternative to traditional teeth whitening? Although there is limited data on the actual effectiveness of these home remedies, some people believe that these other tooth whitening options are worth the try:
- Activated charcoal
You have several options for this alternative. There is commercially available toothpaste that includes activated charcoal in its formulation. Other people opt to buy charcoal pills and crack them open. The powder is mixed with water to form a paste, which is applied to the teeth. - Tumeric
You can dip a wet toothbrush into ground turmeric and scrub it across your teeth to supposedly help lift stains. The solution must stay on your teeth for several minutes to improve effectiveness. Follow this up with regular toothpaste to remove yellow powder residue. - Coconut oil
In a process called oil pulling, coconut oil is used as a mouthwash and teeth cleanser. You put a teaspoon of oil into your mouth and wait for it to turn to liquid while you slosh it around your mouth. - Guava leaves
A coarse toothpaste can be made by crushing the guava leaves with a mortar and pestle. Guava leaves are not acidic as opposed to other citrus-based or chemical teeth whitening solutions, limiting tooth enamel erosion.
Final Thoughts
With proper care and precaution, patients should not feel pain during teeth whitening procedures. In some cases, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur when the bleaching solution is applied for too long. Professional teeth whitening significantly lowers these complications thanks to the care and attention of your dentist. You can learn more about our teeth whitening treatments at Narre Warren Dental Centre by calling (03) 8774 6546.
Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.
